A constitutional amendment is imperative to guarantee the effective implementation of full local government autonomy in Nigeria.
This was the central view expressed by keynote speakers including lawyers and serving council chairmen during a public lecture organised by National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, Rainbow Deck Effurun in Uvwie, Delta State, to mark the 2025 Annual Feast of Barracuda.
They noted that for local government councils to function optimally and meet the yearnings of their people, sections of the constitution must be amended to free them from the control of the federal and State governments.
The event, which commenced with a free medical outreach offering checkups, diagnoses and treatment to residents of Effurun in Uvwie, Pyrates members, their families and friends, also featured a highly engaging lecture titled “Local Government Autonomy: Challenges, Blessings or Curses?”
Declaring the event open, the Chairman and member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, represented by Chief Emmanuel Uti, noted that this year’s edition brought together seasoned public affairs analysts, policy experts, legal minds and social advocates to interrogate one of Nigeria’s most pressing governance issues.
In their welcome address, Mr. Abel Idiomor, Area Mate, Area Four, and Mr. Emmanuel Okworu, Capoon of Rainbow Deck, described the Feast of Barracuda as a strategic platform for dissecting national issues, generating ideas, and advocating reforms aimed at building an equitable society.
Delivering the keynote address, Olorogun Austin Emaduku, Head of Personnel Management, Udu Local Government Council, focused on the administrative dimensions of local government autonomy, identifying key challenges and proposing practical solutions.
A distinguished panel of discussants, comprising renowned constitutional lawyer Dr. Akpo Mudiaga-Odje; Dr. Edafe Emakpor, Member representing Uvwie Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly (represented by Mr. Rupert Irikefe); and Dr. Ejiro Arigbe-Osula of Edwin Clark University unanimously stressed that without a deliberate constitutional amendment, true autonomy for local governments would remain elusive.
Other stakeholders, including Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, Chairman of Udu Local Government; Okpe Council Chairman, Okakuro Isaiah Esiovwa (represented by Grace Christmas); Director General of the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Prince Godwin Ejinyenre (represented by Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe); and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Edun, reiterated the call for constitutional reforms. They also emphasized the need to prioritize competence and integrity in the election of local government leaders.
In a special road safety presentation, Mr. Victor Tobi, Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Warri Command, addressed attendees on best practices for road use and accident prevention.
The lecture concluded with a celebration of the Feast of Barracuda, followed by a humanitarian visit to the Mother of the Redeemer Orphanage in Effurun, where the NAS Rainbow Deck donated food items, cash and other relief materials.
Children of NAS members were also treated to a fun-filled party, featuring dance contests, games and interactive sessions with mascots, rounding off the 2025 Feast of Barracuda with joy and community spirit.
